23 Merchants Emporium (1/2)
The carriage departed from that manor slowly, driving at an even pace. No one noticed this seemingly common carriage that one could hire for a tael or two as it stopped at the side door of the merchant's emporium. The place here was where all merchants of the capital came to order and receive their goods.
”Welcome, Madam.” A man's voice said.
As she entered, she was greeted by a middle-aged man who was dressed in brocade robes of a dark blue, his hair was black, with a few traces of graying near his temples. For his age, although the graying was a little premature, it showed the onset of a stressful lifestyle.
”Emporium Head Ning.” Madam Lin replied as she showed a delighted smile allowing the head of the merchant's emporium, Ning JinYuan to lead the way to the study.
”Please sit madam.” Ning JinYuan gestured to a chair in his study.
Madam Lin sat down gently and nodded to him as if accepting his goodwill.
Ning JinYuan sat down himself opposite of Madam Lin.
The doors opened, and a servant entered with a tray of two teacups. Placing one before Madam Lin and the other before Ning JinYuan.
As they entered, Madam Lin had smelled the slight breeze coming from the cups. She already knew it was two cups of Honey and Jubee tea. How wonderful that tasted in this season of uncertain coldness in the weather.
”Hope you don't mind this lowly tea madam, it is imported from the southern regions, it is quite a sweet fruit.” Ning JinYuan said as he took up his own stop and gave it a slight stir to cool it down.
”What brings madam here today?” Ning JinYuan asked as he brought the cup to his lips and took a sip.
”Nothing much. I just need to see the records of the top grade goods bought by the imperial palace in the past month.” Madam Lin answered. She did not speak in circles, but dove in straight into the point.
”Okay.” Ning JinYuan said. He understood that she was the true overseer of the merchant's emporium. No matter what, he had to report to her, yet she did not have the arrogance of a superior, instead, coming over to see him personally.
”Thank you.” Madam Lin said she was quite touched that he did not ask her purpose for coming over for no reason.
Ning JinYuan left madam Lin within the room, with the records of the goods ordered and received by the imperial palace within the past month.
Madam Lin began to comb through them tediously before she found some strange goods that were brought into the palace.
Listed as second-grade oolong tea. Which was out of the ordinary because any tea that went into the palace had to be first grade since only the best was reserved for the palace, and it was only the emperor, and his consorts who could enjoy such a tea.
She looked down the list, to find that the tea had come in from the southwest regions.